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[Elevated plasma prekallikrein level in patients with diabetes]
A Ciechanowicz1, K Ciechanowski, S Pynka
1Zakład Biochemii Klinicznej i Diagnostyki Laboratoryjnej, Pomorska Akademia Medyczna, Szczecin.
Plasma prekallikrein (PPK) levels are elevated in diabetic patients, particularly those with retinopathy. Higher PPK correlates with poorer diabetes control, suggesting its role in diabetic microangiopathy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The kallikrein-kinin system, involving plasma prekallikrein (PPK), is implicated in diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis.
- PPK is a liver-synthesized glycoprotein and a precursor to plasma kallikrein.
- Understanding PPK's role in diabetes is crucial for managing microvascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify plasma prekallikrein (PPK) levels in diabetic patients.
- To investigate the association between PPK levels, diabetes metabolic control, and retinopathy development.
- To explore the link between PPK and hyperglycemia-induced glycoprotein synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed plasma prekallikrein (PPK) levels in 53 diabetic patients and 33 healthy controls.
- Measured serum fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and antithrombin III (AT III).
- Correlated PPK levels with glycemic control markers and retinopathy status.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher PPK levels compared to controls.
- Elevated PPK was most pronounced in diabetics with proliferative retinopathy.
- Positive correlations were observed between PPK and HbA1c (all diabetics) and serum fructosamine (non-retinopathy diabetics).
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma prekallikrein (PPK) in diabetics may stem from hyperglycemia-stimulated hepatic glycoprotein overproduction.
- Findings support the involvement of the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetic microangiopathy, specifically retinopathy.
- PPK levels could serve as a biomarker for diabetes complications.
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